Margaret Prezzy Dixon -- April 29, 1955- Feb. 3, 2001.

It is difficult to accept the reality that eight years have expired since my mother was murdered on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001. Upon answering telephone calls, I still grasp my breath momentarily anticipating the caller ID to populate ''Mom." I can vividly recall her voice using the affectionately known nicknames, which referred to her earthly sons "Chuck, Gee and Eric" who she loved so dear. A host of notes filled with advice and quick life lessons remain posted throughout the "little white house" formerly known as "our home."

There are so many wonderful things that I would love to share with her such as the birth of KaNijua Dixon, my daughter, on March 19, 2002, and Myles Jae Dixon, my son, on March 2, 2007. Let's not forget the wonderful accolade of obtaining my MBA from Webster University; a great feat for which my mom provided an abundance of inspiration and guidance. I would love to share that Dr. Zelphine Smith-Dixon is now my wife. Unfortunately, these conversations must wait for the eternal family reunion.

I am so blessed to have had a mother like her. She was an awesome individual who did not ask for much and valued life for the small things. She worked at Electrolux in Orangeburg for 12 years, having perfect attendance for many of those years. Margaret emulated the radiance of a spirit-filled woman who was not afraid to praise the Lord at home or church, Rock Hill AME Church of Vance.

If you are like me, then you must be able to relate that burying a mother is the most daunting task that anyone can ever require you to complete. Perhaps the most difficult part of this draconian tale remains the unanswered question that continues to plague me every day: "Why?" I lived at home during the time of her murder and never anticipated such a cavalier act. Somehow, I could not protect her from this fate.

Timothy Brooks did not just take my mother. This insolent act invoked emotional and financial burdens that continue to plague her legacy through this day. Her sons are now faced with the task of maintaining present homes yet still taking care of the "little white house." To me it appears unfair that zero restitution has been received. We struggle to take care of our families and maintain her dream of home ownership while Timothy gets rent-free life in prison provided by our tax monies.

If I could I would wish for two things it would be:

1. Eradicate such a gruesome ending to the life of such a beautiful person.

2. Remodel "the little white house," removing unnecessary debt to make it home again.

I thank God for allowing me 27 years with this incredible woman in my life. She was a strong role model who taught me well, supported my decisions and gave excellent insight. Take time to tell your mother how much you love her. Many may try but none can replace her. Mom I miss you!

-- Marki J. Dixon, Atlanta

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